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Girls were more successful than boys, with 65% of girls achieving a grade 4 or above in English and maths compared with 56% of boys.

The gap narrowed at grade 5 and above, with 41% of girls getting a 'strong pass' compared with 34% of boys.

The Association of School and College Leaders, an education union, said that publishing how many pupils achieved a 'strong pass' is "an extremely confusing message for young people, their parents and employers".

What the government has said

General secretary Geoff Barton said: "The result is that many young people will have felt deflated and uncertain after taking this summer's exams, despite having worked their hardest."

He added: "It cannot be right that we have a system which leaves so many students feeling crushed, rather than proud."

The National Education Union, which represents teachers, said that the Government's 90% target is "delusional" and should be abandoned, arguing that the EBacc restricts subject choice for young people.

Assistant general secretary Nansi Ellis said: "Since 2010 too many young people have been pushed onto inappropriate subject pathways and denied the opportunity to thrive in other valuable and challenging subjects.

"The EBacc policy is squeezing subjects such as art, music, technology and drama out of the curriculum, and must be stopped."